First 3 Nights on CPAP - My Experience So Far

Hello Everybody,

Well last Saturday I paid my first visit to my DME. They set me up with a Resmed S9 Elite. I requested an Autoset but they said they only provide that when the doctor specifically requests auto set. They did say my insurance covers them both the same but that some doctors do not want patients on auto set. They did agree to exchange the Elite for the auto set if I can get my doctor to call it in.

I'm not sure I need auto set but if the auto set feature is available and helps me more, I want it.

So my first night it seemed like it took me a long time to get to sleep. I slept fairly well. My biggest issue is how loud my inhale sounds to me. My wife says it's just a little louder than normal but for me, it's loud. The other thing that I have to adapt to is yawning/sighing. Sometimes I go through periods of yawning/sighing more than usual. This is sometimes not easy with nasal type mask on. No biggie though.

(Side note: I wonder if yawning/sighing has become a habit due to OSA?)

The machine itself is very quiet, I can hear it a little but it's not bothersome at all and my wife and I are very picky about noise. Doesn't bother her at all either.

The ramp feature is nice. I did get up at 3:00 AM (sore legs and back from yard work) and took an advil and set it to "No Ramp" when I got back in bed. I find I don't want the ramp after I've gotten used to the pressure for the night.

My left nostril is a little tender and red this morning. My headgear is not adjustable so not sure how to resolve that other than ointment?

Here are the results from my first 3 nights below:

Day 1:
Used Hrs - 6.3 hrs
Pressure - 10
Leak 0L/min
AHI - 1.1
Total AI - 0.9
Central AI - 0.7

Day 2:
Used Hrs - 8.7 hrs
Pressure - 10
Leak 2L/min
AHI - 0.8
Total AI - 0.8
Central AI - 0.8

Day 3:
Used Hrs - 7.7 hrs
Pressure - 10
Leak 1L/min
AHI - 0.2
Total AI - 0.2
Central AI - 0.2

I do feel more refreshed so far.

I currently have my humidifier set to 83 deg.

I must admit to having a pity party with myself at times. I don't want to admit that I may be wearing this thing every night for the rest of my life. I keep hoping that if I get to my ideal weight, I won't need it anymore.

I do have a question:

How do most folks manage their humidifier as far as water usage and cleaning?

Is it really necessary to dump the left over water and wash with soap and water every morning?

Get some Lansinoh lanolin ointment for the sore nose.
The AirFit headgear will "give" a little with time but your nostrils are also virgin territory never having anything rubbing up against them. Use the Lansinoh liberally during the day and a dab at night. It will help the discomfort.

Those inhale/exhale noises that in our head tend to sound like Darth Vader noises but really aren't...some of it is conducted noise. Plug your ears with your fingers and see how much the sound changes...if it doesn't change much then what you are hearing is conducted noise and while there are some things you can do to less it...mostly it is a time thing...where you will get used to it with time. I still hear conducted inhale/exhale noises when I make a point to listen and its been nearly 5 years.
It doesn't keep me awake though.

If you are using EPR...the change from inhale to exhale can make the conducted noise a little more apparent.
If the hose is touching the mattress it can make the conducted noise a little more apparent.
Having a hose cozy on the hose seems to help reduce conducted noise a little.

Your "numbers" are fine...leaks well controlled, AHI nice and low. Main thing for now is to just get used to the alien on your face and with time you will.

Thanks Pugsy. Appreciate the fast response.

Yeah, the noise only bothers me a little while I'm awake. No issues while sleeping.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to give those things a try.